Trailer hitch alignment device

Abstract

The invention is a trailer hitch alignment device that synergistically combines a laser level with an alignment mounting bracket, where the bracket, using a fastening means, provides a base on a vehicle for affixing the laser level to a vehicle. The laser level provides a laser beam which projects a lighted image that is a guide for coupling the trailer to a fifth wheel hitch on the vehicle. The level provides a means for confirming that the trailer, the vehicle, and the coupled trailer and vehicle all have the proper weight distribution as evidenced by their angle.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1) Field of the Invention[0002]The invention relates to a trailer hitch device, and more particularly to a trailer hitch alignments device for hitching a trailer to a vehicle fitted with a fifth wheel hitch, where the device is additionally a laser level.[0003]2) Prior Art[0004]U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,505 B1 to Capik et al. teaches an optically guided alignment system. The invention teaches a trailer hitch alignment apparatus having a pair of light sources that emit different color light beams. The patent teaches that a single light source 24 can be aligned with a target 32, and discusses this in col. 5, lines 3-10. Referring to FIG. 3, alternate positions are shown for light source 22 (not shown) and 24. The light source is located adjacent to the rear 48 of cab section 50 of a pickup truck. Colored light beams 18, 20 are directed at a target location 32 at a point, which offers the driver of the tow vehicle 10 an unobstructed view of the target locatio...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a trailer hitch alignment device that combines a laser level with an alignment mounting bracket. This device helps align trailers with a vehicle's hitch. The laser level provides a visible guide for coupling the trailer to the hitch, and the image created by the beam is selectable and easy to see. The device also checks the weight distribution and ensures that the vehicle, trailer, and hitch are all properly aligned. The alignment mounting bracket is easy to install and can be attached to different positions on the vehicle. The system includes the device, a truck with a fifth wheel hitch, and a trailer with a tongue. The device is mounted on the front wall of the truck bed at a point equidistant from the sides of the truck. The laser level checks the vehicle's level and ensures that the trailer is properly oriented for hitching. The device can also be used as a conventional level for other applications."

Problems solved by technology

While the prior art teaches the use of lasers to determine optical ranging, it fails to teach a relatively inexpensive device that can be quickly fitted to a vehicle, usually a pickup truck, having a fifth wheel hitch that is typically removable.

Furthermore, the prior art does not teach a device that can have multiple functions, both on and off the pickup truck, where the functions are all incorporated into one device.

Furthermore, the prior art does not teach a device that can be quickly removed from the vehicle, as it, like the fifth wheel, will not advantageously be permanently fixed to the vehicle.

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